**Hardik Pandya Becomes India’s Second-Highest Wicket-Taker in T20Is: Key Stats**
*By Gaurav Tripathi | Sep 21, 2025, 08:26 pm*
Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya has achieved a significant milestone by becoming India’s second-highest wicket-taker in T20 Internationals. He surpassed veteran leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal during the high-profile Super Four Asia Cup clash against Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Pandya claimed his first wicket in the match, taking his tally to 97 wickets in T20Is, placing him just behind Arshdeep Singh—the current leading wicket-taker for India in this format.
### Passing Yuzvendra Chahal
Playing his 118th T20I, Hardik has quickly amassed 97 wickets at an average of over 26, according to ESPNcricinfo. He boasts three four-wicket hauls with his best bowling figures being 4/16. Pandya maintains an economy rate of approximately 8.2 runs per over.
Chahal, now India’s third-highest wicket-taker in T20Is with 96 wickets, has not featured in an international match for over two years.
### The Race for the Top Spot
In India’s previous match against Oman, Arshdeep Singh became the first Indian bowler to claim 100 T20I wickets. Hardik Pandya is closing in on this milestone.
Other Indian pacers with notable wicket tallies in T20Is include Jasprit Bumrah with over 91 wickets and Bhuvneshwar Kumar with 90.
### Hardik Pandya’s Batting Contributions
Pandya is no less impressive with the bat. He has scored 1,813 runs in T20Is at an average of 27.46, including five half-centuries. His strike rate stands at a brisk 141.64.
With these numbers, Hardik is on course to become the third all-rounder in T20I history to achieve the double of 1,000 runs and 100 wickets. He would join Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan (2,551 runs and 149 wickets) and Afghanistan’s Mohammad Nabi (2,357 runs and 102 wickets) in this exclusive club.
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Hardik Pandya continues to cement his place as a key player for India in T20 cricket, making significant contributions with both ball and bat. Fans eagerly await his next landmark achievements in this fast-paced format.
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